Randwick City is the first council in Australia to install rescue tube units on all its beaches, Mayor Lindsay Shurey announced today.

The Tube Unit Initiative (TUI) is a system designed to be used as a rescue device to prevent drownings during times a beach is not patrolled by Council Lifeguards.

Their introduction comes following the tragic death of 14-year-old Tui Gallaher in December 2016, who was swimming at Maroubra Beach with his cousin outside of patrol hours. The pair got into trouble in the rough conditions before a passer-by came to their aid, pulling the cousin to safety. Tui’s body was found three days later.

The TUI, named in a tribute to Tui Gallaher, consists of a rescue tube stationed close to the water’s edge fitted with light, whistle and branded with instructions. When the tube is removed from its housing station on the beach, an alarm sounds, alerting those nearby to the situation, and sends an SMS Alert and GPS location to the localemergency services.

Whilst life rings have been used on a global scale for many years to help those in trouble, they are often ineffective in beach conditions due to their size and limited distance of deployment.

“We are blessed with many beautiful beaches in Randwick City, and staying safe when visiting them is a top priority for Council,” Randwick Mayor Lindsay Shurey said. “The innovative design of the TUI means it can assist multiple adults at one time whilst also raising the alarm to those in the vicinity through the alarm and the presence of a whistle.

“Whilst an individual’s first course of action should be to call for help, the introduction of this publically accessible device may reduce future incidences.”

TUI tubes were installed today at Maroubra Beach and will slowly be rolled out at Randwick City beaches in the next week.

Tubes should only be used outside of patrol hours and as a last resort in an emergency situation by those who are strong and experienced swimmers.

Randwick Council lifeguards encourage all beach users to swim during patrol hours and to follow all beach signage whenever visiting the coast.